admin
Aaron Dube in Johannesburg, South Africa
FORMER Dynamos and Warriors defender Partson Jaure has hailed Zifa’s move to concentrate its energies on the Under-23s who will soon begin their Olympic qualifiers.
Zifa disbanded the senior national team after failing to qualify for the group stages of the African Nations Cup qualifiers. It was the second time that the Cuthbert Dube-led Zifa board has disbanded the Warriors. The Under-23s are in Morocco for a friendly.
Jaure said the move is part of rebuilding a strong senior national squad that will be ready for the next Afcon as well as World Cup qualifiers.
The former DeMbare talisman believes all the players called up will represent the country with dignity.
“My advice to them is that they must not underrate themselves and give a lot of respect to the North Africans whom they are playing on Saturday,” said Jaure.
He urged former national team players to fully support the youngsters.
Jaure said their future in the national team would only depend on whether the coach still wants to work with them or not, but if called up they would love to represent their beloved country again.
Kudakwashe Mahachi is the only South Africa-based player included in Pasuwa’s team.
Mamelodi Sundowns communications co-ordinator Thulani Thuswa said they are not surprised about Kuda’s inclusion in the Warriors team.
Meanwhile, the Young Warriors left the country yesterday for the international friendly match against Morocco in Agadir.
Zifa board member Tawengwa Hara is the head of delegation.
“They leave today (yesterday) and are expected back home on Sunday evening,” said Zifa chief executive officer Jonathan Mashingaidze yesterday.
The match is the third for the Olympic squad after they played minnows Botswana and Swaziland with Morocco set to provide a real test for Callisto Pasuwa and his technical bench team of Saul Chaminuka, Nation Dube and Tembo Chuma.
Zimbabwe squad
Tatenda Mukuruva (Dynamos), Bernard Donovan (How Mine), Blessing Moyo (Dynamos), Teenage Hadebe (Bantu Rovers), Douglas Sibanda (Shabanie), Keith Tafadzwa Mavhunga (ZPC Kariba), Tapiwa Ronald Pfumbidzai (Caps United), Takudzwa Chimwemwe (Harare City), Emmanuel Kudakwashe Mandiranga (How Mine), Gabriel Nyoni (Highlanders), Carlos Rodwell Rusere (DC Academy), Pritchard Mpelele (Hwange), Tinashe Charles Mukanhairi (Caps United), Kudakwashe Mahachi (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa) Macauley Miles Bonne (Ipswich, England), Munyaradzi Mbanje (Leeds United, England) David Philani Moyo (Northampton, England) Marvellous Nakamba (Vitesse FC, Netherlands).
Online Reporter